Taxpayer return on investment in Florida's public libraries since 2004

Overall, Florida's public libraries return $8.32 for every $1.00 from all sources. The total revenue investment in Florida's public libraries was $661.5 million in 2008. Based upon an analysis of what would happen if public libraries ceased to exist, the total economic return attributable to the existence of public libraries is $6.23 billion. For every $3,491 spent on public libraries from public funding sources in Florida, one job (in the economy, not just in libraries) is created. For every dollar of public support spent on public libraries in Florida, Gross Regional Product (the value of all goods and services produced in the state) increases by $10.57. For every dollar of public support spent on public libraries in Florida, income (wages) increases by $22.97.